Zigzagging Through Life - 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Zigzagging Through Life – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Originally, I entitled this sermon, “The Disjointed Incrementalism of Growth.”  Professor Charles Lindblom coined that term in 1966 at Yale University.  It defines a method of policy-making and social engineering designed to redress societal ills.  This technique responds to market forces and political trends.  It aspires to accomplish the greatest good for the greatest number allowing economic, social and political limitations.  This approach to resolving social dilemmas remained predominant until Professor Anthony Quick posited “Smart Planning,” a way of addressing environmental concerns and challenges of city zoning.  The latter approach is far more proactive.  As it relates to personal development and spiritual progress, “The Disjointed Incrementalism of Growth” simply means you often zigzag your way through life fulfilling of your goals and dreams.

In an often-quoted saying during the perennial commencement season, Henry David Thoreau says, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life that you imagine.”  Many of us fail to live to the fullest of our abilities and potential.  We do not live the lives we imagined as children.  Some of us resemble caged chickens in a factory.  We watch others who live freely and joyously as we accept imprisonment of limited goals and dreams.  Yet, Almighty God offers us hope in the foregoing passage.  The apostle Paul assures the church at Corinth that they have not seen, heard or even conceived the marvelous and majestic blessings that God has in store for persons who love Him.  On a practical level, this passage encourages to perseverance with the belief that we shall accomplish our goals and dreams.  The good news today is we can live the lives we imagine.

Recently, I read a story in one of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.  A woman recalls an act of practical faith.  She made a list of her desires and dreams.  It includes a job promotion, dream house, luxury car, husband, travel to exotic places and exquisite furnishings.  She makes a picture book of magazine and newspaper clippings that resemble the items on her wish list.  She prays over this book daily as she peruses it.  She asks God for knowledge, wisdom and strength to actualize her goals and dreams.  These pictures represent her faith until her desires materialize.  She fulfills her goals and dreams as she zigzags in pursuit of them.

The “Smart Planning” theory, mentioned previously, contains one major pitfall.  Self-reliance greatly determines its possibilities for success.  Likewise, in life, we often fall prey to egotistical danger of believing that we can single-handedly achieve our ambitions.  Rather, “The Disjointed Incrementalism of Growth,” assures patience and perseverance, with divine guidance, yields the most favorable outcome.  Plainly speaking, we zigzag until we succeed.  We recall the grade school fable in which we learn the money is on the turtle and not the rabbit.  Inch by inch and step by step, the turtle makes his way to the finish line.  Similarly, we take three steps forward toward progress and two steps backward in the opposite direction.  However, we net a total of two steps in pursuit of our goals.  It is said that “Champions become champions because of setbacks rather than triumphs.”  Failure quickly emerges when pride blinds us to potential mistakes.  Self-reliance darkens our consideration of disadvantageous choices.